For the People. I play away my heart. (Viper, open)

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued "I would like that very much actually." She smiled and took his hand in hers, she was getting used to the compliments he gave her. She liked that he knew just what to say to make her smiled. She pulled herself up and then turned around and started to pack her things in her case. Lovingly placing her harp in the leather. She looked at her unfinished ale and sighed, would she risk getting drunk and then getting on a horse? For some reason, she felt that that would be a horrible thing to do. Drunken horse on a horse, now that was a thought, she chuckled to herself. Then she picked up her things and turned back around to face him. She hooked her arm in his and started walking, her chest pressing against his arm softly. "Well then, off we go, though you must lead the way kind sir." She had taken his arm as a percaution, but she was regretting her decision more and more as she felt her heart beating faster and faster. But she dd not dare let go. She did not want to offend him, no quite the opposite. She hummed the song that she had sung to him when he was in the medical tent, she was doing it absent mindedly, did not really actually know she was doing it. She was trying to ignore how close together they were her height only slightly shorter than his, her eyes kept on sliding over to his face, and then down to his lips as he lead her to Aeyan. Dang it what was she thinking, that dream seriously was messing with her head or something. She had never acted like this before. This was starting to make her think things over. Was that dream related to Viper in some way? Was that what was going on? She was falling for this man? She blushed again, a fiercer red than before. Her heart starting to pound in her chest again. Why so fast, why all of a sudden? She had to find out.

[Viper]

He positively beamed upon her taking his hand and exclaming her desire to join him. Not that he really expected her to say no at this point, but it was still nice to hear. Waiting for her to gently place her harp away in it's case, she took him by surprise when she hooked her arm around his. He could feel his cheeks suddenly become warm as they blushed ever so slightly. He made sure to look away though so she didnt see. That's all he needed after that less than graceful performance earlier was for her to so easily be able to tell his feelings for her were steadily growing. As she pressed close to him, he could feel the beat of a heart, but for the life of him could not tell if it was in fact her or himself. For now he wouldn't care, he would simply enjoy her company...and the closeness of her stance.

Ok...again, time to settle down Viper. She's just going to take a few riding lessons. No big deal. It's not like you asked her out to dinner or anything. Ugg!!! What is wrong with you! She probably doesn't even feel anywhere near the same. She's just being her normal sweet self. His thoughts were then interrupted by the sound of a melody he had recently learned from her while he was at the healers tent. As she hummed the tune, he tried to recall a few of the words. A smile relieved the increasingly nervous expression that was taking over his countenance. In a hushed tone meant to match the volume of her humming he recited in step with the tune,

"Horses lead me on,
through life and through dream.
Horses lead me on,
through yonder blue stream."

As he finished the singly verse, he let out a small chuckle while turning his gaze toward her just in time to catch her staring at him. He stopped what he was about to say for just a moment as he pondered why her cheeks were so red. "It...really was a nice song." He stumbled with saying as he tried to focus not on her expression, but what he was saying. "Have you played it at the Hunter's Rest yet? I bet you'd have quite a few people who'd like that one as well."

His mind however, was racing trying to figure out what all these little actions, expressions, and even comments meant. In his current state, he had no desire to rush anything. But at the same point, he couldn't help but wonder if she too was at least somewhat holding him in some higher regard than a mere friend. Only time would tell, he thought to himself.

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued She heard his voice, kind of singing along with her humming which confused her for a moment, then she realized she had been singing, and then that's when it all happened. He asked her a question and caught her staring at him. Her face continued to be red as a tomato. The surprise of getting caught she unhooked her arm and fell backwards into the crowd with an exclimation that was not so lady like, "Crap.." The worst thing about it was that the crowd was sweeping her away from him. She tried to fight the torrent of people, but she kept getting pushed back. She had no clue what to do. Without thinking she did probably the worst thing ever, she called out his name, "Viper!" It was a plea for help. God why was it so busy, she was being knocked back and forth and she ended up on the ground. People stepped on her hair, and quickly she used her body to protect her harp, she would not lose it, but when she tried to get up, she let out a scream of pain, as someone stepped on her fingers. She pulled her hand to her chest and started to hyperventalate. "VIPER!" the pain and urgency evident in the tone of her yelling voice. Fear wraking through her as the people walking to no notice of her and kept on running into her and stepping on her. She was on the verge of tear, which she swore she would never shed.

[Viper]

Her sudden releasing of his arm took him by complete surprise. Apparently, he had indeed been reading her all wrong. His eyes darted toward her to try and see any expression that would give away what she was presently feeling. But alas, he would not be able to glean any bit of information as the crowd which they had been walking through, now seemed unintentionally bent on keeping them apart. At first, her initial impulse to pull away from him, caused Viper to pause before trying to close the growing gap between them. Had he gone to far to fast?

His mind was quickly refocused as he heard her yell his name. Not in some idle effort to find him, but in concerned manner bordering on an outight plea for help. He shook his head for a moment as he quickly tried to locate her in the crowd. Her second cry for help triggered an emotion he had not felt since... for some time. His eyes narrowed as he caught a glimpse of someone stepping on her hand. Without even thinking, he reared back, and sent a fist smashing into the offending man's face. "Watch where you're steppin' ya bastard!" He said with a tinge of anger in his voice. Imediately, he lowered down and grabbed Gin, attempting to lift her up above the exiting crowd.

With concern in his eyes, he brought her close to him as he shielded her as best he could from the crowd. "You ok?" He asked sincerely as they exited the Hunter's Rest tavern. The swift change of emotions that ran through him, actually bothered him some. He hadn't wanted to feel that sort of concern in any way for anyone, for quite some time. But still it happened, and at present his only concern was for her safety. He'd deal with the repercussions of his most likely over protective actions later...

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued She heard the anger in his voice and the slamming of his fist into someone's face, and the crunch it brought. She winced a bit, worried an all out brawl would start out. But all that insued next was Viper helping her up and out of A Hunter's Rest. Her mind was racing, she had to check her fingers, she had to make sure... His question intruded on her thoughts, he asked if she was okay. She scrunched her fingers, well tried to, and did not get very far before wincing, making her eyes water. She looked up at him, a small look of fear crossing her face, fear that she might have broken her fingers. Her lips quivered as she tried to find words to say to him, some lie that she could tell herself to make it all better. But nothing came to her mind, nothing good enought at least that would sound convincing to him too. "I... do not .. know Viper.." she said in all honesty, she did not know how bad it was. She could not remember if she heard cracking or not when the man stepped on her fingers, all she remembered was pain. And that was what she was feeling now. Pain, pain beyond her comprehension, body and soul. She tried to test her fingers again, tried to ball them up, but she only got so far before the pain was unbearable and a tear spilled from her eye. Quickly she used her good hand to wipe it away, no... she would not cry in front of him, she would not cry in front of anyone. She would not let out that weakness. But she could not fight it, tear after tear fell down her cheek. "I do not know..." Her voice was at a whisper, as her eye's closed.

[Viper]

A serious expression had dominated his face when she said she simply didn't know how she was. At that moment, for just an instant, an image of his deceased wife flashed in front of him. The comment being identical to one she had said to him before she died. He frowned for a second as he forced the thought from his mind. An almost stunned expression seemed to have taken grip of him, when he shook his head and flashed a less than genuine smile.

He raised a hand to her chin and looked into her eyes. "Don't worry. You'll be alright. I'll take care of you." Although completely sincere in his concern for her, his expression seemed almost hollow. As if he was reliving a nightmare he had yet been unable to put behind him. It didn't take long for them to reach Aeyan. With a gentle, but firm grip, Viper for the second time, placed his hands around her waist and hoisted her up onto Aeyan's back. Not wasting a moment, he jumped up in the saddle behind Gin, cradling her softly, yet securely in his arms. "No lessons today Aeyan. Back to the Opal clan!"

Aeyan whinnied and obeyed the command immediately. Having seen that look in Viper's eyes before, he wasn't about to question the seriousness of the injury. Viper's own thoughts were a complete mess. As they rode, he forced himself to stay clear headed. It was just a hand injury. Calm down. They closed in on the healers tent that they had visited a couple weeks ago, and he did indeed will himself back to a state more in line with the severity of the injury. But the whole time, he maintained an iron grip, making sure she was completely safe from anything to the best of his ability.

Pulling the reigns back hard on Aeyan, the Strider came to a halt and the healer came running out of the tent. "What's happened!?" Came the concerned cry of the healer. "Nothin' life threatening." He said certainly. "But she might have a broken hand." Bringing his lips up to her ear he said softly, "I hope you don't mind...but..." With that, he shifted his grip of her so that he dismounted with her in his arms.

"Oh...is that all!?" Replied the healer. "Well then bring her in here." Although Viper's instinct was to carry her in the tent, he realized the injury was not nearly that severe. Lowering her to her feet, he nevertheless walked with her into the tent pointed out by the healer...

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued Again, froze as he looked into her eyes. When he told her she would be alright she felt slightly assured, but concerned for him now. He was showing her an expression he had never shown her before. Like he was void of feelings, of emotion. It almost scared her. What had happened to make him be able to show such a face. But she had no time to think on it for she was swept off her feet and flung into the saddle on Aeyan's back. Viper swung on behind her and she craddled her hand as he barked orders at his horse. She felt kind of safe in her arms, even with such speed and no hands to hold on to Aeyan, she was surrounded by the protection of Viper's strength. She took a deep breath, maybe she would be okay. His breath on her ear made her shiver as he spoke, she did not even have time to reply before he pulled her off the horse and into his arms. Her heart pounding as she looked up at him. But when she heard the words the healer spoke and Viper put her down, she could not contain her anger at the man. She walked into the tent and slammed her good hand on the table making the healer jump, "HOW DARE YOU!? HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT?!" She raise her injured hand, that was now starting to swell up, "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE WITH A BROKEN HAND? MY HANDS ARE HOW I PLAY MY HARP< HOW I EARN MY LIVING! AND YOU... YOU HAVE THE NERV! THE GULL TO SAY 'oh? is that all?' " she mimicked his voice. "YOU ASS! HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU SAY THAT?!" Her breath came hard and ragged from all the yelling, but pure rage was emminating from her. Even her blue eyes seemed to burn with the fierce anger within her.

[Viper]

The healer's eyes widened for just a moment as Gin unloaded her fury on her. But she quickly recovered and her eyes narrowed. "I'll show you how I can say that!" Grabbing the hand that wasn't swelling, the healer jerked Gin from her spot and led her through the a hallway to another portion of the pavillion. As they approached, the healer grabbed a fresh towel and placed it over her mouth and nose, expecting her to take over holding it in place any second. She soon handed Viper his owl piece of clean cloth, and likewise did the same before swinging open wide the door and shoving Gin just inside the room.

The scene that lay before her was a downright terrifying sight to somewhat not used to it. Inside the room lay a dozen people sleeping. Their bodies for the most part covered, however their faces showed clearly what ailed them. One young lady who had been sleeping closest to GIn had just woken up and turned to see who was visiting them. A sad, pained smile appeared on her face for a moment till she coughed and looked away. With that the healer yanked Gin back out of the room and closed the door behind her, shielding her eyes from the ghastly sight. "We are dealing with an epidemic of cases like those. This plague is spreading through all of Cyphrus! So forgive me, when someone brings me a person who may or may not have a broken hand, that I am not as concerned as you may think I should be!"

The healer, began to storm off when she stopped herself and let out a long sigh. She brought a hand up to her forehead for a moment before she returned a weary gaze back to Gin. "I am sorry my dear..." ,she said in genuinely sympathetic voice. "I have not had enough sleep since this...problem has started." The womans shoulders lowered somewhat, revealing a person who seem to be on the losing side of a long struggle to save lives. "Please... come this way and I will tend to your hand." She gave a half hearted smile before walking away toward the room they had earlier left.

Viper stayed close to Gin the whole time, and now urged her onward so that they could get her hand taken care of...and get out of the area. Generally speaking, there wasn't much Viper was afraid of. But what he saw in that room caused his blood to run cold. He could feel his face become flush at the horrid sight of the poor people's infected flesh. And the last thing he wanted was for either of them to stick around there. He just hoped that her hand wasn't to seriously injured, and was just a matter of maybe getting it bandaged...

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued Gin's eye's widened when she saw what the horrible plague was doing, and instantly she looked away from it. She backed up, away from the opening, glad she had a strong stomach, or else she would have lost what little she had eaten. She was shaking, afraid, scared, and this womans words were bringing her close to tears. How could you compare the two things? Of course a life threatening disease would be more horrible then a broken hand. Gin's back bumped into Viper's chest, and she let out a small sob, when the impact ran through her body, as she looked to the ground. She felt horrible, but still, her hands, really were her life. They were how she played her harp, and ran when she was a horse. Her eyes widened when she realized she would not be able to change forms without feeling pain every moment she was in it, it scared her. But why, she rathered being human, when had she started feeling this way about her other form? Like she needed it? Gin just nodded at the woman's appology and explination. But it felt like her body refused to move. Like she was cemented to the ground. Even When Viper urged her forward, she only move forward a step before she got stuck again. Her old wound started to bother her for the first time in ages, she took a deep intake of breath. Fear as memories flooded into her head was evident on her face. She tried to inch forward, but the memories seemed to opress her to the spot, her legs quaked, she was not in the pavillion anymore. Before her was the Zith, a faceless silloette, but still clear enough, a grin on it's face. "No... you... aren't here.." She whispered shaking her head, but the vision stayed in her eyes. Her eyes water. "No.. I.. out ran you.. you .. why... Why are you here?!" her voice rising. She crumpled to the ground, her hands over her ears, as she rocked back and forth. She was surprising even herself, she had not broken down like this since she first got into Endrykas. "Why.." Her voice coming back down to a whisper, "Why will you not... leave me alone?"

[Viper]

Post Theme Music

Viper was caught off guard when she didn't move more than a step from her spot. He figured she's want to get as far from there as possible...not stick around. He didn't have long to wait for his confusion to be answered. She had no desire to stay there, but the shaking in her legs, the beating of her heart which he could feel as she pressed up against his chest betrayed the fact that what she saw had stirred some deeper horror within her. A whisper passed over her lips which he was unable to make out. He began to move around her to try and see her face when she almost angrily asked, "Why are you here?"

The hair on the back of his neck stood up on end as he realized what was happening. She wasn't the only one who suffered from the demons of her past after all. When she collapsed to the floor, he followed her down, taking hold of her arms and steadying her so she didn't hurt herself. The healer meanwhile had turned back around and gasped. "By the gods! What is going on?" Viper did not immediately answer the woman, who was now running back toward them to assist. He instead positioned himself behind Gin once more. Taking her in his arms, he gently lifted her up and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry Gin...you'll be alright. No one can hurt you now."

Turning toward the healer he asked, "Do you have a quiet room we might be able to have alone for a while?" The woman simply nodded and pointed down the hall to another section of the paviollion. "Thank you." Viper simply mouthed to the woman who quickly led them to where she mentioned.

Entering the room, Viper had been holding Gin tightly to his chest in an attempt to make her feel as secure as possible, and safe from whatever nightmare she was reliving from her past. He then took a seat in the of the present chairs and began to cradle her back and forth in his arms, slowly running his right hand through her hair in an effort to calm her down. He gave a glance to the healer, that said just give us a bit. The expression was not lost on the woman and she quickly dissapeared from the room.

"Shhhhhh." Viper softly said in her ear as he continued to cradle her in his arms. "It's ok, you and I'll be safe and sound." He rested the side of his head against hers and kept running his fingers through her hair, hoping she could be consoled by his actions...